Splicing method and splice using the splicing tape

ABSTRACT

A splicing tape ( 200 ) comprises a splicing portion ( 1,2 ) and an attachment portion ( 42,48 ), said attachment portion ( 42, 48 ) being provided for releasably and self-supportively attaching said splicing tape ( 200 ) substantially across the width of a roll of sheet material. A first adhesive layer ( 2 ) is provided on a backing ( 1 ) extending from one longitudinal edge of the backing ( 1 ) across the tape to a first position towards the center of the backing ( 1 ), said first adhesive layer ( 2 ) being provided for attaching the leading edge of the roll to the splicing tape ( 200 ). A second adhesive layer ( 2 ) is provided on the backing ( 1 ) beginning at or beyond, but not overlapping the first position and extending towards the second longitudinal edge of the backing ( 1 ). The second adhesive layer is for attachment to a further sheet material. The attachment portion ( 42,48 ) includes a third adhesive layer adapted to release the leading edge and splicing portion ( 1,2 ) from the underlying sheet material leaving a non-tacky outer surface of the underlying sheet material. The splice can be completed by attaching a further sheet material to the splicing portion ( 1,2 ). The third adhesive layer may be provided by a weakly adhering or stretch release adhesive layer. The invention may be adapted to produce overlap, in particular staggered overlap splices. 
     According to the invention, methods of making permanent or flying splices are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to permanent or flying splices betweensheet materials of the butt, overlap and in particular staggered overlapkind, a splicing tape for use in producing such splices and methods ofusing the splicing tape in producing butt, and overlap, particularlystaggered overlap splices.

In this application and merely for clarity purposes, the leading end andedge of sheet material on a roll is considered to be the last quadrantof sheet material exposed on the outside of the roll, i.e. the section32 of sheet material shown in FIG. 3B from the imaginary line A-A′ tothe edge 35. The underlying winding of such a roll is then the piece ofsheet material on which the leading edge 35 rests, from A-A′ through360° A-A′ again.

Two common types of splice are known for webs of sheet materials.Firstly, there is a permanent splice for joining the leading edge of oneroll or part roll to the trailing edge of a further roll or part roll.The permanent splice should provide a flexible strong connection betweenthe two webs and should maintain substantially all of the properties ofthe sheet material, for example if the sheet material is paper which canbe printed or coated, the permanent splice is preferably, thin,flexible, printable, coatable and should also have the same repulpableproperties as paper. Conventional splicing tapes and splices do notgenerally meet all of these requirements. Further, when joining partrolls the second roll is normally wound back onto the first roll inorder to produce a complete roll and the permanent splice is thenlocated somewhere in the middle of the new larger roll. This splice issubject to high pressures caused by the winding tension and it isimportant that no adhesive materials are present either on or near thesplice or bleed out of the splice during storage which could adherelayers of sheet material together or damage or obstruct printingmachinery.

A typical permanent butt splice is shown in FIG. 1A. Such a splice canbe manufactured using a splice tape as shown in FIG. 13 and described inWO 90/08032.

A permanent overlap splice is also known as is shown in FIG. 1B and isknown in a modified form from WO 93/12025. Here the leading and trailingedges 3 and 4 of the first and second rolls are joined together by adouble sided tape of the kind shown in FIG. 14. With reference to FIG.3B the last sheet layer 32 of the roll 30 is secured by small adhesivetabs 33 applied on both sides of the roll 30. One of the release foils10 (or 11) is then removed from the double sided tape 24 to expose thepressure sensitive adhesive 2A (or 2B) and the tape is applied acrossthe width of the last sheet layer 32 of the roll. The excess of theleading edge is folded back against the double sided tape and is creasedand torn off so that the final leading edge 35 abuts the double sidedadhesive tape 24 as shown in FIG. 3B. In this condition the roll may bestored until a splice must be made. In order to complete the splice theremaining release foil 11 (or 10) is removed thus exposing the pressuresensitive adhesive 2B (or 2A) and the trailing edge of the second rollis then applied to the exposed pressure sensitive adhesive. The excessof the trailing edge is folded back to the adhesive join and is creasedand torn off in the same way as described above with respect to theleading edge of the first roll. The splice now appears as in FIG. 1B.

This type of splice has a disadvantage that there is a considerable stepat the change from the sheet material 3 or 4 and the splice itself whencompared with the butt splice shown in FIG. 1A. This step can disruptthe printing process. Further, there is the possibility of the adhesivebleeding out of the splice or bleeding through the paper if placed underpressure. Additionally, the webs of sheet material may move relative toeach other when tension in the web puts the splice in shear. If movementoccurs during multiple pass printing the alignment in successiveprinting stages is disturbed resulting in inferior quality. Any relativemovement is likely to release adhesive with the serious consequencesmentioned above. To prevent this movement an additional adhesive tape 6′is sometimes applied along the edge of the splice as shown in FIG. 1B.This improves the strength of the splice but increases its thicknessstill further.

Since a paper manufacturer is often held liable by the printer fordamage caused by the splice it is desirable to provide a reliablesplicing method and splice which does not affect the printing process.In particular a sheet surface with exposed aggressively tacky adhesiveis considered not to be machine printable.

In order to reduce the step at the splice, a staggered overlap splice asshown in FIG. 1C has been proposed in EP-0555772 which can also beproduced with a splicing tape shown in FIG. 15. The splice in accordancewith FIG. 1C may still suffer from the bleeding out problems of theoverlap splice shown in FIG. 1B and has the further disadvantage thatthe leading edge of the first roll must be cut to a straight line beforeapplication of the tape rather than being able to tear off the leadingagainst the adhesive join.

Splicing can also become necessary when insufficient sheet material isleft on one drum. Webs from two drums must be attached together.

Flying splices are usually temporary splices made at machine runningspeeds between rolls when it is undesirable to stop the machine, e.g.during coating or printing. The surface speed of the roll can be 1000 oreven 2000 meters per second. Conventional way of making a flying splicecan be understood from FIG. 3A with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,150or CA-2025473. Double sided adhesive tape 24 similar to that shown inFIG. 14 is applied to the last layer 32 of a roll 30 of sheet materialin the form of a W, a V or any other suitable arrangement. The lastlayer 32 of sheet material is torn off against the adhesive tape 24leaving small wings 23 which are secured by small pieces of adhesivetape to the underlying winding 31 of sheet material. The adhesive tabsand the small wings 23 are important to hold down the noses of the lastlayer 32 of the sheet material when the roll is travelling at machinerotation speeds. It is important that air cannot enter beneath theleading edge 35 of the last sheet layer 32 which would result in theroll unwinding itself at very high speeds which could cause damage tothe equipment and danger to the operators. In order to prevent airentering beneath the leading edge 35 of the last sheet layer 32, smalladhesive tabs are sometimes applied not only at the noses of the leadingedge but also along the diagonal edges of the leading edge 35.Completion of the splice is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,150.

The final splice appears as in FIG. 2B. The leading edge 3 of the newroll is attached to the trailing edge 4 of the old roll by means of thedouble sided tape 1, 2A, 2B and the excess of the trailing edge leftafter cutting is indicated by 8.

It is possible to make a flying butt splice with a butt splicing tape ofthe kind shown in FIG. 13. The final splice is shown in FIG. 2A in whichthe leading edge of the new roll has been attached to the splicing tapevia the pressure sensitive adhesive 2B and the trailing edge of the oldroll has been attached to a large area of pressure sensitive adhesive 2Aleaving the excess of the trailing edge 8 to trail behind.

Although the low step profile of the butt splice would be preferred forboth permanent and the flying splices, several disadvantages with theapplication of the tape have resulted in this tape not being widely usedfor either permanent or flying splices. Firstly, a tape of the kindshown in FIG. 13 must be stretched across the width of a roll which maybe 4 to 10 meters wide with the non-adhesive side of the backing 1adjacent to the roll. This is usually done by two or more operators whoprovisionally may tape the roll into its final position using smallpieces of adhesive tape. Such a procedure is time consuming and there isthe danger that the small pieces of tape are not removed afterapplication of the tape. Secondly, adhesive may be transferred from thetabs to the sheet material which can result in subsequent bondingbetween layers of the sheet material or fouling of printing machinery.Thirdly, flying butt splices have not found favour because it isnecessary to lift the leading edge of the new roll in order to applysuch tapes. This lifting of the leading edge allows air to enter betweenthe leading end 32 of the new roll and the underlying winding 31 of theroll and thus there is an increased danger of the leading edge liftingoff from the roll when it has reached machine speeds. The same problemof lifting the leading edge may also occur if a staggered overlap flyingsplice were to be made with the splicing tape shown in FIG. 15.

In DE-A-4033900, a modified flying butt splicing tape is proposed. Thissplice tape, therefore, leaves an exposed surface of adhesive on theunderlying winding of the first roll at a distance of approximately onecircumference of this roll from the actual splice. This exposed adhesivelayer is capable of picking up sheet remnants or attaching itself toother objects or parts of the machinery which can disrupt smoothoperation, in particular machine printing. Further, some of thematerials used to make the splice could be environmentally improved. Afurther disadvantage is that after positioning on the roll the splicingtape is not repositionable.

None of the above mentioned conventional splicing tapes provide a lowprofile tape with the facility to releasably attach the tape to theunderlying winding while leaving the undelying winding non-tacky whenthe splice is complete.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a splicing tape for splicing the leadingedge of a roll of sheet material to a further sheet material, eachwinding of said sheet material on said roll having an outer surfacefacing radially outwards away from said roll; comprising:

a splicing portion and a pre-formed attachment portion, said splicingportion including:

an elongate backing member having two faces and two longitudinal edges;

a first adhesive layer on said backing member for attachment of theleading edge of the roll substantially across the width of said roll tosaid backing member, said first adhesive layer extending across thewidth of said backing member from substantially the first longitudinaledge of said backing member to a first position towards the centrethereof; and

a second adhesive layer on a first face of said backing member forattachment of said backing member to said further sheet material, saidsecond adhesive layer beginning at or beyond, but not overlapping withsaid first position and extending across the width of said backingmember to a second position towards the second longitudinal edge of saidbacking member;

wherein said pre-formed attachment portion is connected to anddistributed along said splicing portion for releasable andself-supportive attachment of said splicing tape to the outer surface ofthe underlying winding of said roll substantially across the width ofsaid roll, said attachment portion including a third adhesive layer onsaid backing member for releasing at least said splicing portion fromsaid underlying winding of said roll while leaving the outer surface ofsaid underlying winding in a non-tacky condition.

Further the invention provides a splice on the leading edge of a roll ofsheet material for attachment to a further sheet material, each windingof said sheet material on said roll having an outer surface facingradially outwards from said roll, comprising:

a splicing portion and a pre-formed attachment portion, said splicingportion comprising:

an elongate backing member having two faces and two longitudinal edges;

a first adhesive layer on said backing member attaching the leading edgeof the roll of sheet material substantially across the width of saidroll to said backing member, said first adhesive layer extending acrossthe width of said backing member from substantially the firstlongitudinal edge of said backing member to a first position towards thecentre thereof; and

a second adhesive layer on a first face of said backing member forattachment to said further sheet material, said second adhesive layerbeginning at or beyond, but not overlapping with said first position andextending across the width of said backing member to a second positiontowards the second longitudinal edge of said backing member;

wherein said pre-formed attachment portion is connected to anddistributed along said splicing portion and releasably andself-supportively attaching said splicing tape to the outer surface ofsaid underlying winding of said roll of sheet material substantiallyacross the width of said roll, said attachment portion including a thirdadhesive layer on said backing member for releasing at least saidsplicing portion from said underlying winding of said first roll whileleaving the outer surface of said underlying winding in a non-tackycondition.

In addition the invention provides a method for preparing a splicebetween the leading edge of a roll of sheet material and a further sheetmaterial using a splicing tape, each winding of said sheet material onsaid roll having an outer surface facing radially outwards away fromsaid roll, said splicing tape comprising:

a splicing portion and a pre-formed attachment portion, said splicingportion comprising:

an elongate backing member having two faces and two longitudinal edges,

a first adhesive layer on said backing member, said first adhesive layerbeing provided for attaching the leading edge of said roll of sheetmaterial substantially across the width of said roll to said splicingtape and extending across the width of said backing member fromsubstantially the first longitudinal edge of the backing member to afirst position towards the centre thereof; and

and a second adhesive layer on a first face of said backing member andbeing covered by a least one release foil, said second adhesive layerbeing provided for attachment to said further sheet material, saidsecond adhesive layer beginning at or beyond, but no overlapping saidfirst position and extending across the width of said backing member toa second position towards the second longitudinal edge of said backingmember;

wherein said pre-formed attachment portion is connected to anddistributed along said splicing portion for self-supportively andreleasably attaching said splicing tape to the outer surface of theunderlying winding of said roll of sheet material substantially acrossthe width of said roll, said attachment portion including a thirdadhesive layer on said backing member for releasing at least saidsplicing portion from the underlying winding of said roll while leavingthe outer surface of the underlying winding in a non-tacky condition,said method comprising the steps of:

attaching said splicing tape to the outer surface of said underlyingwinding using said third adhesive layer on said backing membersubstantially across the width of said roll;

attaching said leading edge to said first adhesive layer, and

separating said attachment portion from said splicing portion attachedto said leading edge while leaving the outer surface of said underlyingwinding in a non-tacky condition.

Further the invention provides a method for making a splice between theleading edge of a roll of sheet material and a further sheet materialusing a splicing tape, each winding of said sheet material on said rollhaving an outer surface facing radially outwards away from said roll,said splicing tape comprising:

a splicing portion and a pre-formed attachment portion, said splicingportion comprising:

an elongate backing member having two faces and two longitudinal edges;

a first adhesive layer on said backing member, said first adhesive layerbeing provided for attachment of the leading edge of the roll of sheetmaterial substantially across the width of said roll to said splicingtape and extending across the width of said backing member fromsubstantially the first longitudinal edge of the backing member to afirst position towards the centre thereof, and

a second adhesive layer on a first face of said backing member and beingcovered by at least one release foil, said second adhesive layer beingprovided for attachment of said backing member to the further sheetmaterial, said second adhesive layer beginning at or beyond, but notoverlapping said first position and extending across the width of saidbacking member to a second position towards the second longitudinal edgeof said backing member;

wherein said pre-formed attachment portion is connected to anddistributed along said splicing portion for self-supportively andreleasably attaching said splicing tape to the outer surface of theunderlying winding of said roll of sheet material substantially acrossthe width of said roll; said attachment portion including a thirdadhesive layer on said backing member for releasing at least saidsplicing portion from said underlying winding of said roll while leavingthe outer surface of the underlying winding in a non-tacky condition,said method comprising the steps of:

attaching said splice tape to the outer surface of said underlyingwinding using said third adhesive layer on said backing substantiallyacross the width of said roll,

attaching said leading edge to said first adhesive layer,

exposing said second adhesive layer,

attaching the further sheet material to the exposed second adhesivelayer, and

releasing said leading edge and said splicing portion attached theretofrom said underlying winding while leaving the outer surface of saidunderlying winding non-tacky.

The invention provides yet a further splicing tape for splicing theleading edge of a roll of sheet material to a further sheet material,each winding of said sheet material on said roll having an outer surfacefacing radially outwards away from said roll, comprising:

a splicing portion and a pre-formed attachment portion, said splicingportion comprising:

an elongate backing member;

an adhesive layer on said backing member, a first part layer of saidadhesive layer being provided for attachment of the leading edge of theroll of sheet material substantially across the width of said roll tosaid backing member and a second part layer of said adhesive layer beingfor attachment to said further sheet material;

wherein said preformed attachment portion is connected to anddistributed along said splicing portion for releasable andself-supportive attachment of said splicing tape to the outer surface ofthe underlying winding of said roll of sheet material substantiallyacross the width of said roll, said attachment portion being adapted forreleasing at least said splicing portion from said underlying winding ofsaid roll while leaving the outer surface of said underlying winding ina non-tacky condition and said attachment portion includes a stretchreleasable adhesive layer.

The present invention may provide the advantage of a splicing tape for alow step profile splice which can pass through subsequent coating andprinting machinery smoothly.

Further the splicing tape in accordance with the invention may beapplied quickly and accurately.

In addition the splicing tape may have improved environmentalcompatibility.

The invention may also provide ways of overcoming the blockingphenomenon with weakly adhering adhesive layers.

Additional embodiments of the invention are given in the dependentclaims.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention are described in thefollowing with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1C show various types of permanent splices.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show various types of flying splices.

FIG. 3A shows the roll preparation of a conventional flying splice.

FIG. 3B shows the roll preparation of a conventional permanent splice.

FIG. 4 shows a butt splice in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe invention.

FIGS. 5A to 5C show the first embodiment of a butt splicing tape inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6G show a second embodiment of a butt splicing tape inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A to 7F show a third embodiment of a butt splicing tape inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 8A to 8E show a fourth embodiment of a butt splicing tape inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9A to 9C show a fifth embodiment of the butt splicing tape inaccordance with the present invention

FIGS. 10A to 10E shows a sixth embodiment of a staggered overlapsplicing tape in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of the present invention relating tobutt splices;

FIGS. 12A to 12D show further embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a conventional butt splicing tape;

FIG. 14 shows a conventional overlap splicing tape;

FIG. 15 shows a conventional staggered overlap splicing tape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention the same reference signs are used for similar components ofthe splicing tape throughout the figures.

It should be noted that the thickness of adhesive layers, foils andbacking tapes have been exaggerated in the figures for clarity purposes.In the present application the surface of a winding facing radiallyoutwards from the roll is referred to as the outer surface of thatwinding.

FIG. 5A shows a first embodiment of the present invention constructed asa butt splicing tape in particular for forming a permanent butt splicebetween two sheet materials in particular paper. FIG. 4 shows the way inwhich the splice, according to FIG. 5A, can be made using the method ofthe invention, even when using very wide webs, and without requiringmore than one operator to make the splice. In FIG. 4 the same parts asin FIG. 3B are indicated by the same reference numbers. End 32 of thelast winding must be spliced. Splicing tape 100 is applied to the lastpreceding paper winding still present on drum 30. Splicing tape 100comprises a splicing portion including a backing 1 with an aggressivelytacky pressure sensitive adhesive layer 2 on one side, a first releasefoil 11, which extends over approximately half of the width of theadhesive layer on backing 1, and a second release foil 10 comprising afirst part 10′, located on the remaining surface of the adhesive layeron backing 1, and a second part 10″, which extends beyond thelongitudinal edge of backing 1 and which has a layer of adhesive 41 andwhich leaves no substantial quantities of adhesive on the substrate whenattached and subsequently removed therefrom. The adhesive layer 41 maybe made to adhere to the release foil 10 by priming the respective partof the surface of the release foil 10. Further, the adhesive layer 41need not be applied continuously along the release foil 10 but may beapplied intermittently along its length. Further the adhesive layer 41may be applied over the whole surface of the release foil 10.

Splicing tape 100 is temporarily attached to the last paper windingstill on the drum with an attachment portion provided by the layer ofadhesive 41. In this way, the smooth, non-sticky side of the splicingtape 100 facing the drum is prevented from moving whilst the splice isbeing made, and does not have to be held in place by a large number ofoperators. Release foil 11 is then removed, as a result of which a partof the sticky side of splicing tape 100 is exposed onto which web end 32is fixed in such a way that the edge of this end is close to the edge ofrelease foil 10. If part of the web 32 extends over the release foil 10,it can be torn off straight, as is usual in the paper industry, at thetransition between foil 11 and release foil 10. After this, splicingtape 100 can no longer move with respect to the web end 32, because itis fixed to end 32. Release foil 10 can now also be removed entirely,which means that the remaining part of adhesive layer 41 comes away fromthe underlying winding as well as the splicing tape 100. It ispreferable that, when release foil 10 is removed, adhesive 41 leaves nosubstantial quantities of adhesive on the underlying paper winding, i.e.it leaves a non-tacky surface, since this adhesive may otherwise disruptthe way the paper is subsequently printed.

After removal of release foil 10, the further end of the other web canbe fixed on the exposed part of the adhesive layer 2 of splicing tape100. Any part of the further end extending over web part 32 can again betorn off to the correct length in order to form a neat splice. For thesake of clarity, this end is not shown in FIG. 4. Covering adhesive tape6 can now simply be applied over the splice thus formed as shown in FIG.1A, preventing adhesive from splicing tape 100 from escaping via thesplice to the side of the web opposite splicing tape 100, which cancause faults when printing the paper.

An additional advantage of the method according to the invention isthat, after removing the second release foil 10, the paper reel can berotated in order, if necessary, to simplify application of the furtherend of sheet material.

The backing 1 is typically similar in strength and flexibility to thesheet materials to be joined and may be plastic or paper or any similarsheet material. When paper sheets are to be joined it is preferable ifthe backing material 1 as well as all other materials which remain inthe completed splice are repulpable and/or water soluble and/or waterdispersible. The thickness of the backing is typically in the range50-100 micro meters and the width is typically 50-100 millimeters. Thesurface of the backing 1 should preferably be coatable and/or printable.Suitable materials for joining paper rolls would be super calendered(glassine) or semi-bleached Kraft paper. On one side of the backing 1 anaggressive pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer is applied which maybe continuous across the width of the tape as shown in FIG. 5A or mayconsist of two separate strips of adhesive with a gap there between. ThePSA may be an adhesive of the acrylic, rubber resin, silicone or similartypes. It is preferable if the PSA is repulpable. It is particularlypreferred if the PSA is a repulpable acrylic adhesive. The thickness ofthe PSA layer may be typically 2 to 100 micrometers. The PSA layer isprotected by a release foil 10, 11 which is provided with a longitudinalweakness or perforation in the middle thereof The release foils 10, 11may also be two separate release foils 10 and 11 adjacent to each otheror a single release foil which has been slit in the centre. The releasefoils may be of any suitable conventional kind, e.g. silicon or waxedpapers with a typical thickness of 30-150 micrometers. It is preferablebut not necessary for the invention if the release foils are repulpable.

The above description of the first embodiment demonstrates certainaspects of the present invention. Firstly, a portion of the splicingtape 100, namely a part 10″ of the release foil 10 and the adhesivelayer 41, is connected to and distributed along the splicing portion 1,2. This attachment portion 10″, 41 is used to temporarily attach thesplicing tape 100 to the roll of sheet material. This attachment portionof the splicing tape 100 is sufficient that the splicing tape isself-supporting on the roll, i.e. when applied in a straight line it iscapable of supporting its own weight without sagging or pulling.

Secondly, the attachment portion of the splicing tape 100 may beseparated from the splicing portion 1, 2 by removing the release foil 10from the PSA layer 2. This separation of the attachment portion ofsplicing tape 100 from the splicing portion 1, 2 may be carried out bydifferent means (foil 10, PSA 2) than means for detachment of theattachment portion from the underlying sheet material. Separation of theattachment portion from the splicing tape 100 is sufficient to releasethe splicing portion 1, 2 from its temporary attachment to the sheetmaterial.

Thirdly, the attachment portion of the splicing tape may be detachedfrom the underlying winding while leaving the outer surface of thiswinding non-tacky. Detachment of the attachment portion from theunderlying sheet material is also sufficient, independent of separationof the attachment portion from the splicing tape 100, to release thesplicing tape 100 from its temporary attachment to the sheet material.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention the splicing tape 100 maybe temporarily attached to the roll of sheet material and subsequentlyreleased therefrom without leaving exposed adhesive material on theouter surface of the underlying winding of sheet material, i.e. leavinga non-tacky outer surface which can be machine coated and/or printed.

The adhesive layer 41, shown in FIG. 5A is preferably a stretchreleasable adhesive layer 41. A stretch releasable adhesive has theproperty of losing tackiness when its backing material is stretched inthe tape longitudinal direction. To remove the release foil 10 one endof thereof is stretched in a longitudinal direction which detackifiesthe adhesive at this end. The operator works, across the width of theroll, detackifying the adhesive 41 by extending the release foil 10.After removal no substantial quantities of adhesive are left adhering tothe surface of the underlying winding, i.e. the surface is non-tacky.

It is necessary to provide a release foil 10 with appropriate extensiveproperties. A reusable stretch release tape is described in EP-0563057.Extension of the tape detackifies the adhesive coating and the tapereturns to its original length on release and the adhesive regains itsadhesive properties. Such a tape can be reapplied to the remainingsplice tape 1, 2, 11 which can be repositioned as above.

A non-re-usable stretch release tape is described in EP-0563272. Afterextension of the tape the adhesive is detackified but the tape remainsextended and must be discarded.

FIG. 5B shows a modification of splicing tape 100 according to the firstembodiment of the invention and is made from materials similar to thosedescribed for FIG. 5A.

Release foils 10 and 11 are similar to those for the adhesive tapeaccording to FIG. 5a, but foil 10 is now approximately the same width asfoil 11. An additional adhesive tape 40, 41 is pre-applied to, i.e.connected to and distributed along the free side of foil 10, whichcomprises a backing 40 and, on one face of it, the slightly adheringadhesive layer 41. Tape 40, 41 extends over the side edge of foil 10 andprovides the attachment portion of the splicing tape 100 for temporaryattachment to the web on reel 30 in the same way as in FIG. 5A.

The further adhesive tape 40, 41 is removably attached in an overlappingfashion to the release foil 10 as shown in FIG. 5B. The adhesive layer41, is preferably a stretch releasable adhesive layer 41. The backing 40may be any suitable stretchable backing material and is not necessarilyrepulpable or water soluble as this layer is subsequently removed fromthe splice. It is, however, preferable if all materials used in thesplicing tapes in accordance with the invention are recyclable, and/orrepulpable. The backing layer 40 is typically 15-50 mm wide.

The adhesive tape 40, 41 may be applied continuously on the length ofthe main splice tape 1, 2, 10, 11 or discrete lengths of the adhesivetape 40, 41 may be pre-applied intermittently, i.e. distributed alongthe main splice tape 1, 2, 10, 11. The spacing for the intermittentadhesive areas should be sufficient to maintain the splicing tape 100 ina self-supporting manner when applied to the roll.

The application of the splicing tape as shown in FIG. 5B to the roll issimilar to that described for the splicing tape as shown in FIG. 5A. Theconnection of the web end 32 is similar to the method described withrespect to FIG. 5A.

When the splice is to be made to the trailing edge of a second roll therelease foil 10 and the adhesive tape 40, 41 are removed separately soas to expose the remaining part layer of PSA 2. The trailing edge of thesecond roll is then aligned with the first roll 30 and attached to thesplicing tape by pressing the trailing edge against the exposed PSAlayer 2. Any excess sheet material of the trailing edge can be removedby folding against the adhesive join and tearing or cutting as describedabove with respect to the leading edge of the first roll. The junctionbetween the leading and trailing edges in the centre of the splice maythen covered by a further narrower adhesive tape 6 as has been describedwith respect to FIG. 1A.

With the modification of the first embodiment in accordance with FIG. 5Bthe means for separating the attachment portion 40, 41 of the splicingtape 100 from the rest of the splicing tape 100 as well as the means fordetaching the attachment portion 40, 41 from the sheet material areprovided by the stretch releasable adhesive layer 41.

FIG. 5C shows a further modification of the first embodiment inaccordance with the present invention of a butt splicing tape 100.Instead of making use of a separate stretch release tape 10,41 or 40,41as described with respect to FIGS. 5A and B this embodiment uses adouble-sided stretch releasable adhesive layer 46, 46′ with a releasefoil 45 pre-applied on the opposite face of the backing 1 from the PSAlayer 2. The double-sided stretch release tape 46,46′ is preferablyapplied, i.e. connected to and distributed along one longitudinal edgeof the backing 1. The materials used are similar to those described withrespect to the embodiments of FIGS. 5A and B. The splicing tape inaccordance with the second embodiment of the invention is temporarilyattached to the underlying winding 31 of the roll 30 by means of thestretch releasable adhesive layer 46 as the attachment portion. When thesplice is to be completed the double-sided stretch releasable adhesivelayer is extended in the longitudinal direction parallel to splicingtape 1, 2, 10, 11 starting at one end thereof The extension of thestretch release layer 46, 46′ in this direction detackifies the adhesiveso that it no longer bonds either to the backing layer 1 or to theunderlying winding 31 of the roll 30. Thus the stretch releasable layer46, 46′ may be removed from the splicing area without leaving asubstantial residue of tacky adhesive material either on the backingmaterial 1 or on the underlying winding 31 of the roll. If the stretchrelease tape is of the re-usable type mentioned above the splice tapemay be reconstructed and re-used.

As an alternative to the first embodiment of the invention describedabove, the double sided stretch release tape may be appliedintermittently along the length of the backing 1. The stretch releasetape 46, 46′ is applied so that the stretch direction of the tape isperpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the splicing tape.Extending beyond the backing 1, non-adhesive gripping portions (notshown) are provided on the ends of the lengths of stretch release tapeto enable gripping the stretch release tape.

One advantage of using stretch release adhesive layers is that they donot show the blocking phenomenon known with weakly adhering andrepositionable adhesive layers.

FIG. 6A shows a second embodiment of the present invention relating to apermanent or flying butt splicing tape 200. The splicing tape 200 inaccordance with the second embodiment includes a backing 1 covered by anaggressively tacky pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) 2 which is itselfprotected by a release foil 10, 11. The release foil 10,11 is providedwith a longitudinal weakness, perforation or slit 60. For a flyingsplice the weakness, perforation or slit 60 is preferably arranged at aposition so that the width of the release foil 11 is smaller than therelease foil 10. On the opposite face of the backing 1 from the PSAlayer 2 a weakly adhering, preferably repositionable adhesive layer 42is provided with its own release foil 48 and is connected to anddistributed along the backing 1 at any suitable position but preferablyadjacent to the edge of the splicing tape underneath the release layer10 as shown. The release foil 48 may be omitted in this embodiment.Further, several strips of repositionable adhesive 42 may be providedacross the width of the backing 1 as is shown in FIG. 6B. It is notnecessary that the repositionable adhesive layer 42 is continuous alongthe length of the splicing tape 200. The adhesive may be distributed indiscrete lengths therealong provided the splicing tape 200 may beattached to the sheet material across the roll width by means of thediscrete repositionable adhesive layers in a self-supporting manner.

The repositionable adhesive layer 42 may be made from any knownrepositionable adhesive. For the purposes of this invention arepositionable adhesive has a property of adhering to and beingremovable from the surface of a substrate without transfer ofsubstantial quantities of adhesive material to the substrate surface.This is achieved by making the adhesion of the adhesive layer 42 to therelease foil 10 (if necessary by priming the surface of the release foil10) considerably greater than the adhesion of the adhesive layer 42 to asheet substrate. Further, after removal it is preferable if the adhesivelayer retains substantially its adhesive properties so that it may bereapplied to the same substrate surface. A repositionable adhesive mayhave a peel strength lower than for a conventional aggressively tackyPSA. In particular, it is preferable if the removal of therepositionable adhesive layer from the paper substrate does not damagethe surface fibres of the paper. After detachment printing properties ofthe paper surface should not deteriorate. Suitable adhesives are thoseapplied to Correction & Cover-up Tape 658 or Scotch Masking Tape 1104 orthe repositionable memo pads known as “Post-It” all manufactured byMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Minn., USA. Further, inaccordance with the invention the repositionable adhesive layer ispreferably repulpable.

The splicing tape 200 in accordance with the second embodiment isapplied in the following way. The release foil 48 is removed from thesplicing tape, the leading edge of the first roll of sheet material islifted and the splicing tape is applied across the width of the roll orin a pattern similar to the one shown in FIG. 3A. The splicing tape issecured to the underlying winding of the roll of sheet material by therepositionable adhesive layer(s) 42. The release foil 11 is then removedexposing the PSA layer 2. The leading edge of the first roll of sheetmaterial is then carefully laid back and is attached to the splicingtape 200 by pressing it against the PSA layer 2. Any excess of theleading edge is torn off against the edge of the PSA layer 2. In thiscondition the leading edge of the roll of sheet material is secured tothe underlying winding of the roll by means of the repositionableadhesive 42 and there are no exposed areas of adhesive so that the rollmay be stored in this condition until required.

Immediately before formation of a flying splice in accordance with thesecond embodiment, the release foil 10 is removed exposing the largearea of PSA 2 and the marker tape 26 is applied as was described withrespect to the conventional procedure in accordance with FIG. 3A. Theroll is then brought up to machine speed and the trailing edge of thesecond roll is pressed against the exposed PSA layer at the appropriatemoment. Because the adhesion of the repositionable adhesive 42 to theunderlying winding of the sheet roll is adapted to be lower than thestrength of the sheet material and also of the adhesion of the splicingtape to the trailing edge of the second roll, the repositionableadhesive layer 42 lifts off from the underlying winding of the new rollleaving no adhesive residue. The repositionable adhesive layer 42 isdesigned in such a way that its adhesion to the sheet material isconsiderably lower than the aggressive PSA layer 2 and its adhesion tothe backing 1 is considerably greater than its adhesion to the sheetmaterial of the roll. As a specific aspect of the present invention itis preferable if all materials left in the splice are repulpableincluding the repositionable adhesive layer 42.

The butt splicing tape 200 in accordance with the second embodiment mayhave both release foils 10 and 11 of the same width (not shown) when thesplicing tape 200 is used to make a permanent butt splice.

In accordance with the second embodiment the attachment portion of thesplicing tape 200 is provided by the adhesive layer 42. The means fordetaching the attachment portion 42 is provided by the adhesive layer 42being weakly adhering, preferably repositionable. Detachment of thesplice between the interface of the adhesive layer 42 and the underlyingwinding leaves a non-tacky outer surface. Further the splicing tape inaccordance with the second embodiment includes an elongate backingmember I and a first adhesive layer (left hand part of layer 2 in FIG.6A) on the first face of the backing 1 and extending substantially fromone longitudinal edge of the backing 1 towards the centre of the tape upto a first position and a second adhesive layer on the first surface ofthe backing 1 (the right hand part of layer 2 in FIG. 6A) beginning ator beyond, but not overlapping the first position and extending acrossthe tape towards the second longitudinal edge of the backing 1 up to asecond position. The weakly adhering layer 42 is a third adhesive layerfor attaching the backing 1 to the underlying winding of the roll andfor release therefrom while leaving a non-tacky surface on the winding.

One problem with weakly adhering and repositionable adhesives can betheir tendency to adhere more strongly with time depending on pressure,time and temperature. This phenomenon is known as “blocking”.

A further modification of the second embodiment of the present inventionis shown in FIG. 6C in which a weakly adhering, preferablyrepositionable adhesive layer 42 is applied to an extension of thebacking 1. Between the end of the PSA layer 2 and the start of therepositionable adhesive layer 42 a longitudinal weakness or perforation44 may be preformed in the backing 1. The repositionable adhesive layer42 may be provided with a separate release foil as shown in FIG. 6D orthe opposite surface of the backing 1 to the repositionable adhesivelayer 42 may be provided with a release layer 43 as shown in FIG. 6C.Hence, when the complete splice tape 200 is formed into a roll, thebonding strength of the repositionable adhesive layer 42 to the oppositeside of the backing 1 does not increase during storage. The applicationof the splicing tape in accordance with FIG. 6C is similar to that asdescribed for FIGS. 6A and B in that the repositionable adhesive layer42 is used as the attachment portion to provisionally secure thesplicing tape to the underlying winding 31 of the roll 30. When apermanent splice is to be completed the repositionable adhesive layer 42as well as the part of the backing material 1 attached thereto may beremoved by tearing along the weakness or perforation 44. In accordancewith the modification of the second embodiment described above withreference to FIG. 6C the means for separating the attachment portion, 42from the backing 1 is provided by the longitudinal weakness/perforation44. The means for detaching the attachment portion 1, 42 from the sheetmaterial is provided by the weakly adhering adhesive layer 42. Howeverin the case that the adhesion of the adhesive layer 42 increases so thatit “blocks” the separation along the weakness/perforation 44 can berelied on to release the splice from the underlying winding. The sectionof the tape 200 with the adhesive layer 42 remains on the underlyingwinding with a non-tacky surface facing away therefrom.

As an alternative, when in particular a flying butt splice is completedwith the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6C, the splicelifts from the underlying winding by detachment along the repositionableadhesive/sheet material interface. In this case the longitudinalweakness/perforation 44 provides additional lift-off security in case ofblocking or may be omitted.

FIG. 6E shows a modification to the splicing tape 200 shown in FIG. 6A.A single sided high tack adhesive tape 40, 47, 48 comprising a backing40, a high-tack PSA layer 47 and a release foil 48 may be pre-applied tothe weakly adhering adhesive layer 42 with the backing 40 adjacent tothis adhesive layer 42. The splicing tape is applied to the roll byfirst removing release foil 48 and then attaching the exposed PSA layer47 to the roll.

The ends of the sheet material are butt spliced on the splicing tape 200without removing the single-side tape 40, 47. When the sheet materialseparates from the roll the splice detaches itself from the underlyingwinding along the interface of the weakly adhering adhesive layer 42 andthe backing 40. The backing 40 forms part of the non-tacky outer surfaceof the underlying winding. The single sided high tack adhesive tape 40,47, 48 may be applied as a separate tape to the roll of sheet materialor may be pre-applied to the splicing tape as described above.

If greater security is required when fixing and working with thesplicing tapes in accordance with the first and second embodiments asshown in FIGS. 5C and 6A to E, a double-sided stretch releasableadhesive tape layer 46, 46′ and a repositionable layer 42 may beprovided along the edge of the splicing tape as shown in FIG. 6F. Thetape 46, 46′ is removed before completion of the splice. A similareffect can be achieved by applying an additional weakly adheringadhesive layer preferably a repositionable adhesive layer 42 to theextension of backing 1 which can be removed by tearing along a weaknessor perforation 44 (FIG. 6G) between the main body of the splicing tape200 and the extension of the backing before the splice is completed.

FIG. 7A shows a third embodiment of the present invention relating to abutt splicing tape 300. The butt splicing tape 300 in accordance withthe third embodiment comprises a backing material 1, a PSA layer 2 whichextends across the majority of the width of the backing 1 and isprovided with release foil 10, 11 in the same way and from the samematerials as described with respect to the first and second embodiments.On an extension of the backing 1 and adjacent to the release foil 10 alayer 49 of weakly adhering preferably repositionable adhesive (FIG. 7A)or a double side stretch releasable adhesive layer 46, 46′ (FIG. 7E) isapplied to the backing 1 and is covered by a release foil 48 which isseparable from the release foil 10. In use the section of the splicingtape 300 which includes the stretch releasable or repositionableadhesive 46, 46′; 49 is folded over to form a crease 51 as shown in FIG.7B and FIG. 7F, respectively. The tape may also be delivered in theprefolded form as shown in FIG. 7B and 7F. The tape is applied to theunderlying winding B1 of the roll 30 by removing the release foil 48 andapplying the stretch releasable 46 of repositionable adhesive 49 to theunderlying winding 31 of the roll 30 as has been described with respectto the first and second embodiments. In the modification to the thirdembodiment shown in FIG. 7B the separate release foil 48, for therepositionable adhesive layer 49 is optional as shown in FIG. 7C. Afterthe leading edge of the roll 30 is applied to the PSA layer below therelease foil 11 the splice may be completed by separating the section ofthe backing 1 which is coated with the repositionable adhesive layer 49by introducing a knife at the junction 50 between the two parts of thebacking tape 1 and slitting the weakened creased section 51 of thebacking 1. Alternatively, a longitudinal weakness or perforation 52 canbe preformed in the tape at this position during manufacture of thesplicing tape as is shown in FIG. 7C. The tape as manufactured may thenappear as in FIG. 7D before folding.

Slitting or perforation of the backing 1 is not necessary with themodification including the stretch releasable adhesive layer 46, 46′shown in FIG. 7B as it may be removed by longitudinal extension asdescribed with respect to FIG. 5C. A gap may be provide between the endof the PSA layer 2 (the second position on the tape) and the adhesivelayers 49 and 46,46′.

When the splicing tape 300 as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7F is used as aflying butt splice the section of the backing 1 coated withrepositionable adhesive 49 is not separated by slitting as describedabove. The repositionable adhesive secures the nose of the leading edgeas the roll is brought up to machine speed. The completed splice liftsfrom the underlying winding by separating along the repositionableadhesive/sheet material interface. In this case the weakness orperforation is not required but can be included for additional lift-offsecurity in case of “blocking”.

FIG. 8A shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention relating to abutt splicing tape 400 which is made from similar materials as used forthe butt splicing tape 300 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7Aexcept that the repositionable adhesive layer 49 is replaced by anextension of the pressure sensitive layer 2. The splicing tape 400 inaccordance with the fourth embodiment is applied in a similar way tothat of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, i.e. the section of thetape below the release foil 48 is folded over as shown FIG. 8B or isdelivered in this form. The release foil 48 is removed and the sectionof the PSA 2C thereunder is attached to the underlying winding 31 of theroll 30. The leading edge of the roll 30 is secured to the PSA layer 2lying below the release foil 11. When the splicing tape is used to forma permanent butt splice the section of the backing 1 which is coatedwith the PSA layer 2C is separated from the main splice tape byintroducing a knife at the point 50 and slitting the weakened crease 51of the backing 1. Alternatively, as has been described with respect tothe third embodiment and FIG. 7C a longitudinal weakness or perforation52 may be provided at this position in order to ease separation of thesection of the backing tape 1 coated with the pressure sensitiveadhesive 2A as is shown in FIG. 8C. Further, the release foil 48 may beomitted from the tape as shown in FIG. 8C. A modification of the fourthembodiment of the present invention which includes the weakness orperforation 52 is shown in FIG. 8D before folding. A gap may be providedbetween the end of the PSA layer 2 at the second position and the PSAlayer 2C.

FIG. 8E shows a further modification of the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention relating to a permanent or flying butt splicing tape400 made from materials similar to those described with respect to thefirst embodiment. The backing 1 is extended beyond the PSA layer 2covered by the release foils 10 and 11 and a further PSA layer 2C isapplied to a portion of the extended backing 1 on the opposite sidethereof from the PSA layer 2. The PSA layer 2C has its own release foil48. A longitudinal weakness or perforation 52 is provided at a positionbetween the end of the PSA layer 2 and the beginning of the PSA layer 2Cand for this purpose it is advisable to have a gap between the end ofthe PSA layer 2 and the beginning of the PSA layer 2C of between 1 and 5mm. The splicing tape in accordance with this modification of the fourthembodiment is applied to the underlying winding 31 of the roll 30 byremoval of the release foil 48 and by attaching the exposed PSA layer 2Cto the underlying winding 31 of the roll 30 across its width. The spliceis then completed by attaching the leading and trailing edges of thefirst and second roll to the PSA layer 2. The splice tears along theweakness or perforation 52 when the trailing edge of the second rollpulls away the leading edge 31 of the first roll 30. For this purpose itis advisable to make the weakness or perforation 52 such that the forcerequired to break the connection of the backing 1 at the position 52 islower than the adhesive force of the PSA layer 2C to the underlyingsheet material and is also lower than the force required to tear thesheet material of the roll 30.

With the fourth embodiment of the present invention described withrespect to FIGS. 8A to 8E the means for separation of the attachmentportion 1, 2C from the splicing tape 400 is provided by the crease 51 orthe longitudinal weakness/perforation 52.

The splicing tape as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8E may be used as a flyingbutt splice. In this case the section of the backing 1 is not slit asdescribed above. When the splice lifts from the underlying sheetmaterial the slice is separated from the adhesive layer 2C by tearingalong the weakness or perforation 52. For this purpose it is advisableto make the weakness or perforation 52 such that the force required tobreak the connection of the backing 1 at the position 52 is lower thanthe adhesive force of the PSA layer 2C to the underlying sheet materialand is also lower than the force required to tear the sheet material ofthe roll 30. FIG. 9A shows a fifth embodiment of the present inventionrelating to a butt splicing tape 500 and is a modification of the firstembodiment. With the fifth embodiment the repositionable adhesive layer41 on the backing 40 is replaced by a pressure sensitive adhesive layer55. The PSA layer 55 is provided with its own release foil oralternatively the side of the backing 40 away from the PSA 55 is coatedwith a release layer 56 as shown in FIG. 9A. The splicing tape 500 inaccordance with the fifth embodiment is applied in a similar way to thesplicing tape of the first embodiment except that the PSA layer 55 isattached to the underlying winding 31 of the roll 30 and cannot besubsequently removed therefrom. Accordingly, when the splice is to becompleted the backing layer 40 is removed from or with the release foil10 and is torn off against the part of the backing layer 40 which isattached to the underlying winding 31 of the roll 30 by means of the PSAlayer 55. Tearing off the excess of the backing 40 may be made easier bythe provision of the longitudinal weakness or perforation 57 in thebacking 40 as shown in FIG. 9B. The part of the backing 40 left on theunderlying winding forms part of its non-tacky outer surface. Theremaining steps in the application of the tape are as described in thefirst to fourth embodiments.

A modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention is shownin FIG. 9C in which the release foil 10 is extended beyond the backing 1and is coated with a further PSA layer 55. To assist coating the releasefoil surface is primed in the region of the PSA layer 55. The exposedpart of the PSA layer 55 may have its own release foil but this is notnecessary. The modification of the fifth embodiment in accordance withFIG. 9C may also be provided with a longitudinal weakness or perforation57 in the release foil 10 (not shown) as has been described with respectto the splicing tape in accordance with FIG. 9B.

FIG. 10A shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention relating to astaggered overlap splicing tape 600. The splicing tape 600 comprises abacking 1 a first adhesive layer 2A of PSA on the second face of thebacking 1, the first adhesive layer extending from a first longitudinaledge of the backing 1 towards the middle of the tape up to a firstposition and a second adhesive layer 2B on the first face of the backing1 and beginning at or beyond, but not overlapping the first position andextending up to a second position towards the second longitudinal edgeof the backing 1. The PSA adhesive layers 2A and 2B are provided withrelease foils 10 and 11. The materials used to make the splicing tape600 are similar to those described with respect to the first and secondembodiments. The release foil 10 may be omitted if the opposite face ofthe backing 1 to the PSA layer 2A is provided with a release layer. Alayer of stretch releasable 46, 46′ or repositionable adhesive 42 isprovided on the opposite face of the backing layer 1 from the PSA layer2B and may have its own release foil (not shown). The width of thestretch release layers 46, 46′ (FIG. 10D) or repositionable adhesivelayer 42 (FIG. 10A) may be less than the PSA layers 2A or 2B. Thesplicing tape 600 in accordance with the sixth embodiment is applied inthe following way. First, the leading edge of the first roll is cut tothe desired shape either across the width as is shown in FIG. 4 or to aparticular pattern as is shown in FIG. 3A. Without removing the releasefoil 10 the splicing tape is applied to the underlying winding of theroll of sheet material using the repositionable adhesive layer 42 orstretch releasable layer 46, 46′ so that the end 70 of the PSA layer 2Acoincides with the cut leading edge of the roll of sheet material. Whenthe layer 42 is a repositionable adhesive layer, the tape 600 may beadjusted in its position several times in order to obtain a close fitbetween the edge 70 of the PSA layer 2A and the cut leading edge of thelast layer of the sheet material. When the correct position has beenobtained the edge 71 of the splicing tape is raised sufficiently toremove the release foil 10 and the splicing tape is then pushed downagainst the leading edge of the last layer of the roll of sheet materialso as to join the splicing tape to the leading edge by means of the PSAlayer 2A.

Prior to completion of the splice the double-sided stretch release tape46, 46′ (if present) is removed.

When it is required to complete the splice the release foil 11 isremoved thus exposing the PSA layer 2B. The connection to the trailingedge of the second roll is carried out in accordance with the previousembodiments depending on whether the splicing tape is used to form apermanent splice or a flying splice. In the latter case it is preferableto make the width of the PSA layer 2B considerably wider than the PSAlayer 2A as has been described with respect to the seventh embodimentand the repositionable adhesive layer 42 is preferred. Further therepositionable adhesive layer 42 is preferably repulpable.

FIG. 10B shows a modification to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention and is particularly suitable for forming a permanent splice.This modification includes a preattached stretch releasable 41 as wasdescribed with respect to the first embodiment. This additional tape isoverlapped at least partially onto the release foil 11. The exposedstretch releasable adhesive layer 41 is used for carefully positioningthe splicing tape with respect to the leading edge as has been describedwith respect to the eighth embodiment. After the PSA layer 2A has beenfirmly connected to the leading edge of the first roll, the backing 40and the release foil 11 may be removed so as to expose the PSA layer 2B.The completion of the splice is then carried out in the way describedwith respect to the staggered overlap splicing tape shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 10C shows a further modification of the sixth embodiment in whichthe backing 1 is extended and is provided with a weakly adhering,preferably repositionable coating layer 42 as was described with respectto the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C. The backing is also provided with alongitudinal weakness or perforation 44 between the end of the PSA layer2B and the beginning of the repositionable adhesive layer 42 in asimilar way to that shown in FIG. 6C. The repositionable layer 42 isused to position the tape with respect to the cut leading edge as hasbeen described with respect to the eighth embodiment. After the correctposition of the splicing tape has been obtained and the PSA layer 2A hasbeen firmly attached to the cut leading edge the part of the backingtape including the repositionable adhesive layer 42 may be removed bytearing along the weakness or perforation 44. The splice is completed inthe same way as has been described with respect to FIG. 10B.

In a further modification of the sixth embodiment the repositionableadhesive layer 42 of FIG. 10C is replaced by a PSA layer 2C as shown inFIG. 10E. In this case if the tape is positioned incorrectly it isremoved by tearing along the weakness or perforation 44 and isre-applied in the same way as described for the splicing tape shown inFIG. 15.

Alternatively, if the leading edge has already been fixed a knife may beintroduced between the backing 1 and the sheet material of the rollbelow the PSA layer 2B and the splice can be broken out along theweakness or perforation 44. Otherwise when the tape is used as apermanent or flying splice the splice lifts from the underlying windingand tears along the weakness or perforation 44.

With respect to the embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 6A-G,7A-F, 8E, and 10A and C, the weakly adhering, preferably repositionableadhesive layer 41, 42 or 49 may be provided by a double-sided adhesivetape with a weakly adhering, preferably repositionable adhesive layer onone side and a PSA layer on the other (not shown). The relevant splicingtapes are constructed by attaching the PSA side of this double-sidedtape in the appropriate position on the backing 1 or release foil 10.Alternatively, the double-sided adhesive tape may be applied to the rollusing the weakly adhering, preferably repositionable layer and thesplicing tape attached to the exposed PSA layer.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the present invention which can beapplied to any butt splice. The foil 10 overlaps foil 11 slightly sothat it is easy to grip foil 10. In a similar way foil 10 could be madeto extend slightly beyond the backing 1 so that it is easier to grip.

FIGS. 6C, 6D, 6G, 7C, 7D, 8C, 8D, 8E, 9B, 10C, and 10E show embodimentsof the invention including a longitudinal weakness or perforation 44,52, 57. The weakness or perforation may be constructed as shown in FIGS.12A to D. FIG. 12A shows a tape 200 of the type described with respectto FIG. 6C. As seen in FIG. 12A the first face of the backing 1 has thefirst and second adhesive layers 2 applied thereto. The adhesive layer 2extends from a first longitudinal edge 20 of the backing 1 to a secondposition 27 via a first position 21 towards the second edge 22 of thebacking 1. The second position 27 is spaced from the second edge by anend margin 40. The third adhesive layer 42 is applied to the second faceof the backing (not shown). The third adhesive layer 42 starts adjacentto the vertical line through the perforations 28,29 and extends to thesecond edge 22 of the backing. The perforation may consist of a seriesof spaced longitudinal cuts 28 In addition stress cuts 29 may be locatedbetween, and parallel to the cuts 28 but offset therefrom. The stresscuts 29 relieve stress in the backing 1 between the cuts 28 and aid indefining separation along the longitudinal cuts 28. The longitudinal andstress cuts 28,29 should be located as close as possible to the adhesivelayer 2 so that on separation there are no free areas of tape which canfoul with other objects. Similarly the start of the third adhesive layer42 should be as close as possible to the vertical line through the cuts28,29 so that after separation no free tape areas are left on theunderlying winding.

FIG. 12B shows a tape 400 in accordance with the invention of the typedescribed with respect to FIG. 8D. Here the longitudinal slits andstress cuts 28,29 are located between the end 27 of the PSA layer 2 andthe start of the PSA layer 2C.

FIG. 12C shows a modification of the longitudinal weakness describedwith respect to FIG. 12 A. The weakened section is defined by a seriesof V-shaped cuts 128 in the backing 1. Between the V-shaped cuts 128 andadjacent to the PSA layer 2, stress cuts 129 may be located which extendsubstantially longitudinally with respect to the backing 1. Backingportions 130 may be located at each apex of the V-shaped cuts 128 toprevent premature separation. FIG. 12D shows a modification of theembodiment described with respect to FIG. 12B. As in the tape 400 inaccordance with FIG. 12C the longitudinal weakness is provided byV-shaped and stress cuts 128,129 with backing portions 130 at the apexof each V-shaped cut 128.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12A to D the cuts 28,29;128,129 mayextend through the backing 1. Alternatively the cuts 28,29;128,129 maybe defined by score lines or other means.

We claim:
 1. A splicing tape for splicing the leading edge of a roll ofsheet material to a further sheet material, each winding of said sheetmaterial on said roll having an outer surface facing radially outwardsaway from said roll; comprising: a splicing portion and a pre-formedattachment portion, said splicing portion including: an elongate backingmember having two faces and two longitudinal edges; a first adhesivelayer on a first face of said backing member for attachment of theleading edge of the roll substantially across the width of said roll tosaid backing member, said first adhesive layer extending across thewidth of said backing member from substantially the first longitudinaledge of said backing member to a first portion towards the centrethereof; and a second adhesive layer on a said first face of saidbacking member for attachment of said backing member to said furthersheet material, said second adhesive layer beginning at or beyond, butnot overlapping with said first position and extending across the widthof said backing member to a second position towards the secondlongitudinal edge of said backing member; wherein said pre-formedattachment portion is connected to and distributed along said splicingportion for releasable and self-supportive attachment of said splicingtape to the outer surface of the underlying winding of said rollsubstantially across the width of said roll, characterized by saidpre-formed attachment portion including a third adhesive layer on asecond face of said backing member for releasing at least said splicingportion from said underlying winding of said roll while leaving theouter surface of said underlying winding in a non-tacky condition. 2.Splicing tape according to claim 1, wherein said third adhesive layerincludes a weakly adhering adhesive layer.
 3. Splicing tape inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said third adhesive layer includes arepositionable adhesive layer.
 4. Splicing tape in accordance with claim1, wherein said third adhesive layer includes a stretch release adhesivelayer.
 5. Splicing tape in accordance with claim 1, wherein said thirdadhesive layer includes an aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive layer.6. Splicing tape in accordance with claim 1, wherein said third adhesivelayer is applied on a section of said backing member adjacent to saidsecond position and extends away therefrom towards the secondlongitudinal edge of said backing member.
 7. Splicing tape in accordancewith claim 6, wherein a mechanical weakness is provided longitudinallyin said backing member between the second position and the start of thethird adhesive layer.
 8. Splicing tape in accordance with claim 1,wherein said third adhesive layer is applied to the second face of saidbacking member beginning substantially at said second longitudinal edgeand extending across the width of said backing member towards the centrethereof.
 9. Splicing tape in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidsplicing tape is repulpable.
 10. A splice on the leading edge of a rollof sheet material for attachment to a further sheet material, eachwinding of said sheet material on said roll having an outer surfacefacing radially outwards away from said roll, comprising: a splicingportion and a preformed attachment portion, said splicing portioncomprising: an elongate backing member having two faces and twolongitudinal edges; a first adhesive layer on a first face of saidbacking member attaching the leading edge of the roll of sheet materialsubstantially across the width of said roll to said backing member, saidfirst adhesive layer extending across the width of said backing memberfrom substantially the first longitudinal edge of said backing member toa first position towards the centre thereof; and a second adhesive layeron a said first face of said backing member for attachment to saidfurther sheet material, said second adhesive layer beginning at orbeyond, but not overlapping with said first position and extendingacross the width of said backing member to a second position towards thesecond longitudinal edge of said backing member; wherein said pre-formedattachment portion is connected to and distributed along said splicingportion and releasably and self-supportively attaching said splice tothe outer surface of said underlying winding of said roll of sheetmaterial substantially across the width of said roll, characterized bysaid pre-formed attachment portion including a third adhesive layer on asecond face of said backing member for releasing at least said splicingportion from said underlying winding of said first roll while leavingthe outer surface of said underlying winding in a non-tacky condition.11. A splice according to claim 10, wherein said third adhesive layerincludes a weakly adhering adhesive layer.
 12. A splice in accordancewith claim 10, wherein said third adhesive layer includes arepositionable adhesive layer.
 13. A splice in accordance with claim 10,wherein said third adhesive layer includes a stretch release adhesivelayer.
 14. A splice in accordance with claim 10, wherein said thirdadhesive layer includes an aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive layer.15. A splice in accordance with claim 10, wherein said third adhesivelayer is applied on a section of said backing member adjacent to saidsecond position and extends away therefrom towards the secondlongitudinal edge of said backing member.
 16. A splice in accordancewith claim 15, wherein a mechanical weakness is provided longitudinallyin said backing member between the second position and the start of thethird adhesive layer.
 17. A splice in accordance with claim 10, whereinsaid third adhesive layer is applied to the second face of said backingmember beginning substantially at said second longitudinal edge andextending across the width of said backing member towards the centrethereof.
 18. A splice in accordance with claim 10, wherein said spliceis repulpable.
 19. A method of preparing a splice between the leadingedge of a roll of sheet material and a further sheet material using asplicing tape, each winding of said sheet material on said roll havingan outer surface facing radially outwards away from said roll, saidsplicing tape comprising: a splicing portion and a pre-formed attachmentportion, said splicing portion comprising: an elongate backing memberhaving two faces and two longitudinal edges, a first adhesive layer on afirst face of said backing member, said first adhesive layer beingprovided for attaching the leading edge of said roll of sheet materialsubstantially across the width of said roll to said splicing tape andextending across the width of said backing member from substantially thefirst longitudinal edge of the backing member to a first positiontowards the centre thereof; and a second adhesive layer on a said firstface of said backing member and being covered by at least one releasefoil, said second adhesive layer being provided for attachment to saidfurther sheet material, said second adhesive layer beginning at orbeyond, but not overlapping said first position and extending across thewidth of said backing member to a second position towards the secondlongitudinal edge of said backing member; wherein said pre-formedattachment portion is connected to and distributed along said splicingportion for self-supportively and releasably attaching said splicingtape to the outer surface of the underlying winding of said roll ofsheet material substantially across the width of said roll, saidattachment portion including a third adhesive layer on a second face ofsaid backing member for releasing at least said splicing portion fromthe underlying winding of said roll while leaving the outer surface ofthe underlying winding in a non-tacky condition, said method comprisingthe steps of: attaching said splicing tape to the outer surface of saidunderlying winding using said third adhesive layer on said backingmember substantially across the width of said roll; attaching saidleading edge to said first adhesive layer, and separating saidattachment portion from said splicing portion attached to said leadingedge while leaving the outer surface of said underlying winding in anon-tacky condition.
 20. A method of making a splice between the leadingedge of a roll of sheet material and a further sheet material using asplicing tape, each winding of said sheet material on said roll havingan outer surface facing radially outwards away from said roll, saidsplicing tape comprising: a splicing portion and a pre-formed attachmentportion, said splicing portion comprising: an elongate backing memberhaving two faces and two longitudinal edges; a first adhesive layer on afirst face of said backing member, said first adhesive layer beingprovided for attachment of the leading edges of the roll of sheetmaterial substantially across the width of said roll to said splicingtape and extending across the width of said backing member fromsubstantially the first longitudinal edge of the backing member to afirst position towards the centre thereof; and a second adhesive layeron a said first face of said backing member and being covered by atlease least one release foil, said second adhesive layer being providedfor attachment of said backing member to the further sheet material,said second adhesive layer beginning at or beyond, but not overlappingwith said first position and extending across the width of said backingmember to a second position towards the second longitudinal edge of saidbacking member; wherein said pre-formed attachment portion is connectedto and distributed along said splicing portion for self-supportively andreleasably attaching said splicing tape to the outer surface of theunderlying winding of said roll of sheet material substantially acrossthe width of said roll; said attachment portion including a thirdadhesive layer on a second face of said backing member for releasing atleast said splicing portion from said underlying winding of said rollwhile leaving the outer surface of the underlying winding in a non-tackycondition, said method comprising the steps of: attaching said splicedtape to the outer surface of said underlying winding using said thirdadhesive layer on said backing substantially across the width of saidroll, attaching said leading edge to said first adhesive layer, exposingsaid second adhesive layer, attaching the further sheet material to theexposed second adhesive layer, and releasing said leading edge and saidsplicing portion attached thereto from said underlying winding whileleaving the outer surface of said underlying winding non-tacky.
 21. Asplicing tape for splicing the leading edge of a roll of sheet materialto a further sheet material, each winding of said sheet material on saidroll having an outer surface facing radially outwards away from saidroll, comprising: a splicing portion and a pre-formed attachmentportion, said splicing portion comprising: an elongate backing member;an adhesive layer on said backing member, a first part layer of saidadhesive layer being provided for attachment of the leading edge of theroll of sheet material substantially across the width of said roll tosaid backing member and a second part layer of said adhesive layer beingfor attachment to said further sheet material; wherein said pre-formedattachment portion is connected to and distributed along said splicingportion for releasable and self-supportive attachment of said splicingtape to the outer surface of the underlying winding of said roll ofsheet material substantially across the width of said roll,characterized by said attachment portion being adapted for releasing atleast said splicing portion from said underlying winding of said rollwhile leaving the outer surface of said underlying winding in anon-tacky condition and said attachment portion includes a stretchreleasable adhesive layer.